Sharks, Killing Me

Photo courtesy of my bootcamp buddy and Blackhawks fan, Matthew O'Donnell

After Game 2 of the Sharks/Kings first round matchup, I wrote, "this series could still easily go 6 or 7 games." Well, I didn't actually expect the Sharks to prove me correct. If anyone recalls, a near identical scenario played out during the 2011 playoffs. In the first round, the Sharks could have put LA away in 5 games, but allowed the series to go 6. In the second round, San Jose had Detroit dead to rights with a 3 games to 0 advantage. The Wings proceeded to win the next three, forcing a tiebreaker in SJ, where the Sharks managed to dig deep and win. However, they had nothing left for the Western Conference Finals. After back to back grueling playoff rounds, they were swept handily by the Vancouver Canucks. I see 2014 playing out similarly.

You can probably tell where I'm going with this. The overarching point is the Sharks have doomed themselves, regardless of the outcome of tomorrow's Game 7. They are essentially backed into a lose-lose corner. If they do fall to LA, then they're only the fourth team in NHL history to blow a 3-0 series lead. They will be the laughing stock of the 2014 playoffs and solidify their league wide reputation as choke artists. However, if the Sharks find a way to win Game 7, they get to move forward banged up. Their reward is an extra 60 minutes of bumps, bruises, cross checks, high sticks and absorbed hits. Not to mention the questionable status of defenseman Marc-Edward Vlasic and whoever else might get injured along the way. It's no secret that down the stretch, any rest counts. After the first three games, I was so optimistic for San Jose because they had a chance at a short series. Well that opportunity is gone. With what the last few games have shown me, I don't think a deep playoff run is likely. Now, the Sharks should count themselves lucky to make the second round.

Don't get me wrong, the Sharks still have a fantastic team and could make a strong push towards the finals(Emphasis on "could"). Also, I'm not saying multiple 6/7 game series' make a championship season impossible. But, they haven't helped themselves by allowing this series to go the distance. Especially since every other team in the Western Conferene has played 6 games or more. The Sharks were fast tracked to success and they blew the opportunity. If they win tomorrow, one can only hope they have enough left in the tank when it really counts.

Hopefully I have to eat these words in a few weeks.

Series Collapse

This is a joke... Rant over.

Not a Shark Attack

Imagine the ideal scenario for the San Jose Sharks. Maybe it involves winning Game 5 on home ice? Not returning to LA and giving the Kings a shred of hope? Moving on to the second round relatively unscathed and  healthy? Well none of those things happened. The Sharks want to be lame, they want to make it difficult.

I don't really have too much to say, this game blew. Through two periods the Sharks had 22 giveaways... 22. Not impressive, not ideal. You can't win games that way. Niemi gave up 3 goals on 19 shots, a .84 save percentage. I know you can't put all the blame on him (horrible team effort overall), but he needs to be better. Stellar goaltending is a must to win the cup. As a cup winner himself, Niemi should know. Or, was 2010 a fluke year for him? Anyway, Alex Stalock rocked a two period shutout while assuming the cleanup role. I love that dude. Game 6 starter? Todd McClellan will undoubtedly consider that option. 

Do I think the Sharks still win the series? Yes. But, that elusive fourth win could cost them down the line. Often, the healthiest team has the fast track to the cup. Ohhhhh and while writing this I just got a Team Stream notification. Marc-Edward Vlasic suffered an upper body injury on that hit from Jarret Stoll in the first period. Point made.